South Africa Safari

October 2026

Awaken Your Wild

Colorful market stall with woven textiles, hanging decorations, and baskets of vibrant flowers and fruits.

DESTINATION

Lake Atitlán,

Guatemala

In the highlands of Guatemala, Lake Atitlán is a majestic gem surrounded by volcanoes, lush forests, and vibrant indigenous villages. As one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, its waters reflect the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Atitlán is a sanctuary for the soul. The lake’s tranquil shores offer an escape, inviting us to reconnect with nature and ourselves. We'll hike a majestic volcano, daily dips in the lakes waters, and take multiple boat trips to the charming lakeside towns of San Pedro, San Juan, and Santiago to experience colorful markets and traditional Mayan ceremonies. Each village offers unique experiences, from artisan workshops to coffee tours, showcasing the region's traditions.

Lake Atitlán is the perfect setting for our journey. Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty, the vibrant culture, and find your balance in this remarkable destination.

Silhouette of a person looking at a mountain with a lake in the foreground during sunset.

EXPERIENCE

Culture  

Movement 

Connection

This retreat is an opportunity to reset, realign, and dive deep into your practice while exploring the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the region. With yoga workshops, volcano hikes, swimming, and boat trips to charming lakeside villages, every day offers a balance of effort and ease—challenge and rest, movement and reflection.

Our days start with yoga, breathwork, and meditation designed to deepen your practice and awaken your body. Afternoons are for exploration—whether it’s hiking a volcano, swimming in the blue waters of Lake Atitlán, or hopping on a boat to explore colorful villages. Evenings will bring restorative yoga and soulful community connection.

Your home for the week is a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by lush landscapes, where every moment supports your journey toward personal growth and renewal. Our retreat center is a serene escape, tucked away in a secluded cove of Lake Atitlán, and features breathtaking views of the lake and volcanoes, it offers spacious rooms with private bathrooms, an outdoor yoga deck, and spaces for rest and reflection. This peaceful environment provides the perfect setting for both deep practice and relaxation.

This is not just a retreat—it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself, build community, and immerse yourself in a transformative experience that blends movement, adventure, mindfulness, and cultural immersion.

ADD ON EXPERIENCE

CAPE TOWN

Cradled by majestic Table Mountain and surrounded by pristine coastlines, Cape Town is a city like no other—where nature, culture, and adventure live side by side. Immerse yourself in the city's natural beauty and hidden gems with a historical city tour, a sunset cable car ride up Table Mountain, browsing coastal village shops, walking amongst wildlife in Cape Point Reserve, visiting penguins, and picnicking in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Choose between Welgelegen boutique hotel in the vibrant city centre. Cost from ZAR18300 / US 980 per person sharing incl all activities, breakfasts and 1 picnic lunch.

Or a serene stay at The Last Word Longbeach, a barefoot luxury hotel on a dreamy secluded beach. Cost from ZAR 24000 / US 1280 per person sharing incl all activities, breakfasts, beachfront dinners, 1 picnic lunch and hotel drinks.

ADD ON EXPERIENCE

BLYDE RIVER CANYON 

Discover the world’s largest green canyon—a place of lush ancient forests, tumbling waterfalls, majestic rock formations, and birdsong echoing through the air. This experience includes a scenic boat trip offering breathtaking views of the canyon from below, a walk to a magical waterfall where you can swim, and a drive along the Panoramic Route to witness iconic geological wonders. A visit to one of the oldest baobab trees in Africa is a soulful highlight.

Stay for two nights at the Radisson Safari Hotel in Hoedspruit with all activities, breakfasts, 1 lunch and dinners included. Cost from ZAR12500 / US 670 per person sharing. Add an amazing HOT AIR BALLOON experience over the Bushveld. Cost ZAR5300 / US 285 per person.

Itinerary

  • Arrive by boat to our lakeside retreat center

    Opening ceremony and yoga

    Welcome dinner

    Community hang

  • Morning yoga

    Hot coffee & tea, fresh smoothies & breakfast cups

    Authentic relating circle connection

    Nourishing brunch freshly prepared

    Binds & Balances workshop

    Homemade community dinner

    Bonfire hang

  • Morning Yoga

    Hot coffee & tea, fresh smoothies & breakfast cups

    Free time to journal or swim.

    Nourishing brunch

    Boat trip to explore a lake town for cliff jumping, shopping, and local bites.

    Fresh lunch snack

    Sunset wood sauna and lake swim

    Community dinner and hang time

  • Early morning sunrise volcano hike

    Large community brunch, coffee & tea

    Free time to relax or swim and SUP paddle on the lake

    Vibrant afternoon snack

    Sunset yin and restore practice

    Freshly prepared dinner

    Community hang and games

  • Morning yoga

    Fresh breakfast with coffee, tea, and smoothies

    Boat Trip to a local lake town for a day of cultural immersion tours.

    Nourishing lunch

    Free time to sauna and swim, or journal and restore

    Homemade dinner followed by a community hang

  • Morning yoga

    Coffee, tea, and smoothies

    Forest bath & meditation

    Freshly prepared brunch

    Backbends workshop

    Traditional Mayan Cacao Fire Ceremony

    Nourishing dinner

    Community bonfire

  • Morning movement to prepare for travel - flow, journaling, and gratitude

    Nourishing and freshly prepare brunch

    Closing ceremony & departure

  • Item description

  • Item description

Investment

Accommodations, all meals, transportation throughout the retreat, and all activities listed in the itinerary are included in the retreat price. Hands off and stress free, all you need to do is save yourself a spot.

7 Days / 6 Nights (August 16-22)

  • All-Inclusive Pricing:

    • $2000 (shared room)

    • $2600 (private room)

A $500 non-refundable deposit secures your spot. The remaining balance is due 90 days before the start of the retreat. Flexible payment plans are available.

Rooming Details
Traveling solo? No worries. Opt for a shared room, and we’ll match you with a roommate. Each room is spacious and comfortable, with separate beds and private bathrooms.

What’s Included

  • 6 nights at our private lakeside retreat center

  • All meals and snacks, freshly prepared daily

  • All yoga workshops and meditation practices

  • Sunrise volcano hike

  • Traditional Cacao & Fire Ceremony with local shaman

  • Permaculture farm tour & waterfall hike

  • Community hot tub, sauna & lake swims

  • Boat trips to explore local towns

  • Transportation to/from our retreat center

  • Custom retreat journal for reflection and growth

This is your chance to immerse yourself in movement, mindfulness, and adventure, reconnect with yourself, and explore one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. With a supportive community, guided yoga intensives, cultural immersion, and breathtaking landscapes, you’ll leave Lake Atitlán feeling renewed, inspired, and transformed.

 

    • Airfare to Guatemala City, Guatemala

    • Transportation from Guatemala City to the Lake (we'll help coordinate with other travelers)

    • Travel insurance (recommended)

    • Retreat massage services

    • Additional purchases made in town

    • Gratuity for the retreat center staff

  • We will enjoy a mix of vibrant & nourishing vegetarian and meat options. Special dietary restrictions can be accommodated. There is typically two large meals (brunch and dinner) and a morning smoothie or breakfast cup, and light afternoon snack.

  • Weather in San Marcos La Laguna is mild. Most days the temperature is around 65-75° Fahrenheit, however due to the altitude at Lake Atitlán (1500m), nights can be as low as 45°. August in Guatemala is often dry with a break in the rains. Please pack accordingly.

  • Not at all. While THE BALANCE retreats are always structured to included breaks for free time to journal, rest, or keep socializing if you choose, nothing is mandatory and you can take time to yourself as you need. This is your time to recharge.

  • A complete travel packet will be sent to you upon registration. This will include information on traveling around Guatemala, how to get to your pickup point, and a packing list specific to your retreat.

 FAQs

Bronze Buddha statue adorned with colorful beads, set against a decorative tapestry background.
A colorful fruit platter featuring slices of watermelon, pineapple, kiwi, cantaloupe, and apple, garnished with lettuce leaves and a decorative plaid cloth beneath. The fruit is arranged artistically with some pieces cut into flower shapes.
Person near brick steam sauna holding an item, with steam rising and trees in background.
Silhouettes of two people performing a yoga backbend in a room with lake and mountains in the background.
Outdoor meditation area with gongs, mats, and decorative centerpiece by the ocean.
Small apothecary shop with shelves of jars and bottles, wooden counter with stools, and hanging sign
A scenic view of a lake surrounded by mountains at sunset, with a town nestled along the shoreline and a colorful sky.
Two people standing on a balcony overlooking a lake and a mountain under a cloudy sky.
Cozy bedroom with large bed, colorful pillows, and red blanket; wooden ceiling and floor; traditional fireplace; window with curtains; bench with cushions; rustic decor.
Rustic yoga studio with mats on wooden floor, large windows with tree view, guitars on wall.
Man in small red boat on lake with a green hillside and buildings in the background.
Person sitting on a colorful mat holding a mug, surrounded by scattered red petal-like objects on wooden floor.
Tropical backyard with pool, lounge chairs, thatched-roof hut, lush greenery, and small building.
A group of people smiling and posing outdoors with a scenic view of a lake and mountain in the background, surrounded by trees.
Open-air market street with colorful umbrellas hanging above, rainbow-painted cobblestone path, and stalls selling clothing and souvenirs.
Two people paddleboarding with a dog on a lake, mountain in the background, clear sky.
Two women standing on a wooden platform with a scenic mountain and lake view, one raising an arm in a peace sign, under a clear sky. A dog and other people are in the background.
Outdoor stone hot tub with surrounding potted plants, lattice roof, and scattered rose petals.
Spacious room with wooden floors, floor cushions, wicker ceiling, and large windows with ocean view.
Two people smiling while swimming in open water on a sunny day.
Hillside villa with white walls and terracotta roof surrounded by lush greenery and trees, with a well-manicured garden and stone patio in the foreground.
People participating in a sound healing session in a room with large windows and a decorative centerpiece.
A plate with a variety of food items including a burger patty, bun, mixed salad with greens and vegetables, diced potatoes, chickpeas, pomegranate seeds, onion slices, tomato slices, and several dips or sauces. A red rose is placed on the plate for decoration.
Person wearing colorful clothing and beads, leaning over stones in a ritualistic setting, with scattered petals and objects.
Group of women in white standing on a wooden deck by the water, raising their arms, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
Cozy tropical bedroom with two beds, wooden sliding door leading to balcony with palm trees, and a desk with a chair.